The beneficial effects of thermotherapy

As its name suggests, it comes from the Greek words thermos, which means warm, hot, and therapeia, which means treatment. Thus, we can define thermotherapy as the procedure by which heat is applied for therapeutic purposes to certain areas of the body. Article content\n \n \n . ro or from the SfatulMedicului mobile application (iOS, Android)\n . For example, depending on the depth of penetration of the tissue layers (superficial, deep) or depending on the way heat is transmitted (by conduction, convection or conversion). One of the most used methods even at home is the transmission of heat through conduction, more precisely, through the exchange of heat between two bodies, such as the skin and a warm or hot compress.

Other examples besides the well-known compresses would be: , paraffin, fango, parafango. When we refer to heat exchange by convection, it is produced through an intermediary, i. e. between a fluid and a solid (sauna), and as for the conversion, here we use electrical energy that is transformed into heat (example: therapy . Based on the reaction of our body to heat, regarding the local effects of thermotherapy, several characteristics of this practice are accepted in the medical field:\r\n.

) to be able to benefit from the application of physiotherapy procedures, in the present case of thermotherapy appropriately. Most of the time, this is associated with other procedures that use both physical agents and drug treatment. As for thermotherapy, it can cause burns if it is not applied properly. The main indications for thermotherapy include:\r\n. )\r\n.

In their case, heat acts as a decontractor, increases local blood flow and improves joint mobility, high heat increasing the extensibility of type I collagen present in ligaments and tendons. Other pathologies that are not related to musculoskeletal pain, but where local thermotherapy comes in handy are: or. If it is about using warm compresses at home, it is important to know the technique of their correct use for a proper effect. The compresses act through the thermal factor and thus they must be covered in order not to come into contact with the air and to maintain their elevated temperature. The average duration in which they can be used is 30 minutes.

The temperature of the water with which they will be soaked must be somewhere around 40 degrees. More recently, with a very good use, you can find gel bags (hot-packs) in the trade that can either be boiled or put in the microwave oven to heat them. In their case, the temperature will vary depending on the power of the microwave or the boiling time. It should be noted that the gel bag is not applied directly to the skin, it must be wrapped in a clean towel before being applied to the painful area. They can be placed on the painful area to relieve the pain, but taking care that the area in question is not sensitive to heat.

The process can be repeated 3-4 consecutive days. For example, if you suffer from you can apply a warm compress to the affected palm for 20-30 minutes or in low back pain, you can apply local heat for 30-60 minutes, but it is important to specify that we must not sleep with the source . In addition to what we can do at home to relieve our pain, going to specialized centers can have a better expected result. The use of short waves produces an effect in depth, thus the heat is formed inside the treated area. As for paraffin, mudo and parafango wraps, the heat is brought from the outside and maintained at the skin level, causing the skin to heat up to 40 degrees Celsius.

Of course, in the case of this form of therapy, there are precautions for use and contraindications. Care must be taken that the area to be treated can withstand the heat and not be desensitized. Contraindications: fever, neoplastic diseases, contagious diseases, skin lesions, especially if there is active bleeding at its level. Varicose veins do not combine with heat, leading to the accumulation of even more blood at the level of dilated veins. Patients with metal prostheses (hip, knee prostheses) should know that the use of ultrasound in particular, both in specialist offices and mobile ultrasound machines at home, is contraindicated.

The presence of silicone implants and a pregnancy, but also breastfeeding women must limit, for example, in addition to the use of the sauna and any source of local heat in the area of \u200b\u200bthe chest, abdomen or at the level of the dorsal or lumbar spine. We must understand that an inappropriate indication of the use of thermotherapy or its inadequate use can be dangerous, in the sense that adverse reactions can be triggered that can be irreversible. But, it is important to remember that thermotherapy also occupies an important place in the functional recovery of the patient with musculoskeletal disorders, such as inflammatory or chronic degenerative rheumatic disease and not only in the pathologies of this sphere. Bibliography\r\n\r\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n . Dan belt\n .

Delia Cinteza\n . Christian Angel\n . CONSTANTIN ANGELESCU (former Interdepartmental Al. Sahia - under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice)\n \n \n . Mariana Racu\n .

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